Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi / Mumbai
Udupi / Mumbai, Nov 4: Veteran Kannada writer, scientist, researcher and thinker Dr Vyasarao Ninjoor (86) passed away in Mumbai on Tuesday, leaving behind a rich legacy in the fields of science and literature.
Hailing from Tenkanidiyur in Udupi district, Dr Ninjoor had carved a distinct identity for himself in Kannada literary circles. Besides being an accomplished writer, he was also a researcher and thinker who made significant contributions to Kannada literature.
He served as the president of the Udupi district Kannada Sahitya Sammelana held at Innanje in 2006. He had worked as a scientist at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai before retiring from service. Despite his professional career in science, he maintained a deep interest in the Kannada language, literature and culture.
Through his short stories, articles, novels and literary research, he made a distinctive contribution to Kannada literature. His literary works earned him several prestigious awards and recognition.
Dr Ninjoor also had a close association with the Yakshagana tradition. During his younger days, he was a Yakshagana artiste with the Kodavooru Mela, where he performed female roles. He was also remembered as a generous supporter of writers and artistes in Mumbai, extending them encouragement and support.
Dr Ninjoor is survived by a son and a daughter.
Meanwhile, the Kalkura Prathishtana organised a public condolence meeting in Mumbai to pay tribute to the departed literary figure, scientist and intellectual.
Kalkura Prathishtana president S Pradeep Kumar Kalkura offered floral tributes to Dr Ninjoor’s portrait and paid his respects. Recalling his contributions, Kalkura said Dr Ninjoor had been a source of support and encouragement to writers and artistes in Mumbai. He also recalled his association with Yakshagana and his performances in female roles with the Kodavooru Mela during his younger days.
Describing Dr Ninjoor as a multi-faceted personality, Kalkura said his contribution to literature was immense and several prestigious awards had come his way. His novels had amazed the literary world, while his simple and unassuming personality would always be remembered, he said.
Mumbai-based G T Acharya also offered floral tributes and recalled his memorable days of association with Dr Ninjoor.
Those present at the condolence meeting included Dr Harikrishna Punaroor, Bhasker Rai Kukkuvalli, Dr Prabhakara Sharma, Prof G K Bhat Seraje, Vinay Acharya Hosabettu, K Taranath Holla, Janardhan Hande, Nityananda Karanth Polali, Baikady Srinivasa Rao, Vijayalakshmi B Shetty, Bhasker Aithal, Sudhakar Rao Pejawar, Nityananda Rao Surathkal, Ramakrishna Rao, Suma Manvi, Thamma Lakshman and Mohandas A N, among others. They offered floral tributes and paid their respects to the departed writer and scientist.
(With inputs from Rons Bantwal)